Overview
The complainants (Mr and Mrs C) raised a number of concerns regarding the way they were treated by The Moray Council (the Council) as foster carers when a child who had been in their long term care was removed from their care and returned to her biological parents.
Specific complaints and conclusions
- (a) failed when handling the complaint (not upheld); and
- (b) mishandled what Mr and Mrs C described as their de-registering as foster carers (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council reflect on their handling of this complaint with a view to giving further consideration in future to signposting individuals to the Complaints Procedure to express their dissatisfaction with a Council service.
The Council have agreed to the recommendation and have already revised their procedure for handling social work complaints, have produced a dedicated statutory guide and a leaflet for the public and are rolling out training for staff.